February is prime time for ice fishing in Minnesota, and events like the International Eelpout Festival in Walker and Grumpy Old Men Festival in Wabasha attract thousands of folks. For those who don't fish, activities including sledding, polar plunges and minnow races will keep everyone entertained.

Driving into New Ulm, the sign reading "Willkommen" is the first of many tributes this southern Minnesota town pays to its German heritage. There are plenty of new things to see, too, from downtown restaurants to museum exhibits. Plan a trip and discover how New Ulm's rich past continues to shape its ever-changing present.

One of the many reasons Minneapolis-St. Paul was just named America's fittest city: We don't put our bikes away when the snow falls. Statewide, many paved trails and mountain biking areas welcome riders year-round. Here's what you need to know to keep riding all winter long.

Bald eagles can be spotted all winter along parts of the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota where the water doesn't freeze. Although trumpeter swans generally migrate, hundreds of these magnificent birds winter in Monticello, and owls are another bird to look for this time of year.

Minnesota has 18 Indian-owned casinos located throughout the state. In addition to slots, Blackjack and Bingo, many of them have attached hotels complete with swimming pools, multiple restaurants, full-service spas and live entertainment.

Tag your Minnesota Instagram photos #exploremn and your best shot could appear in this newsletter! We'll pick one photo a month to share in this spot. This icy picture of Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis was taken by Dana Marie Grethen. Follow us on Instagram for more beautiful images from around the state @exploreminnesota.